Waking up Monday on the sixth day of their mission around the Moon, currently on the far side over 252,756 miles away from Earth, the Astronauts onboard Artemis ll were surprised by a message from the Late Commander of Apollo 13, Jim Lovell, who died in August 2025 at age 97, but before he passed recorded a message for the crew which stated:
“Hello Artemis II! this is Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. Welcome to my old neighborhood. When Frank Borman and Bill Andrews and I orbited the moon on Apollo 8, we got humanity's first up close look at the Moon and got a view of the home planet that inspired and united people around the world. I'm proud to pass that torch on to you as you swing around the Moon and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars, for the benefit of all. It's a historic day, and I know how busy you'll be, but don't forget to enjoy the view. So, Reid and Victor and Christina and Jeremy, and all the great teams are supporting you, good luck and Godspeed from all of us here on the good Earth.”